Athletic floor panel system

ABSTRACT

A spring-biased floor for gymnastic and cheerleading competitions is formed from a plurality of interlocked panels having overlapping edges. Springs are mounted on the bottom of the panels, including beneath the overlapped edges. The primary panels include L-shaped ledges extending along two adjacent sides, while finishing panels include a ledge along only one side. The springs mount onto heads extending downwardly from the panels and having a 360° lip over which the springs are snap fit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved athletic floor panelsystem. The floor is spring-biased so as to be particularly useful forgymnastic and cheerleading competitions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of athletic floors are known in the prior art that utilizeinterlocking panels. The panels are connected by various means, such astongue and groove fit, pins, cams, overlapping tabs, keys, hooks, andstraps. Such panel floor systems are commonly made of plastic, and areused for such games as basketball, tennis, and other court sports whichdo not require any spring-bias. Such floor systems are sold commerciallyunder the trademarks Sport Court, Spider Court, and Mate Flex.

Spring supported floors are also known for use in gymnastic andcheerleading competitions. Such floors normally are made of wood,covered with one or more layers of padding. The wood panels are abuttedside by side and retained by various hardware. Such floors absorbsubstantial forces from gymnasts and cheerleaders tumbling and jumpingon the panels. The joints of adjacent panels are typically the weakestpoints in the floor, due to such forces. Therefore, some floors utilizedual board layers having offset joints. These prior art spring biasedfloors also utilize many pieces, which require substantial time for setup and disassembly, which is labor intensive, time consuming and costly,particularly for weekend competitions wherein the floors are temporarilyinstalled at a venue. Also, the weight of the wood and size of the woodpanels often requires at least two people for moving the panels, andresults in a substantial overall weight of the floor system fortransportation. Spring supported plastic floors are unknown in the priorart.

Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is the provisionof an improved athletic floor panel system.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of animproved spring biased athletic floor system.

Still another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor made of lightweight and durable plastic.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system comprised of a plurality of panelshaving overlapped edges defining strong and stable joints betweenadjacent panels.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor panel system comprised of a plurality oflightweight plastic panels which can be quickly and easily assembled anddisassembled.

Still another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system having a plurality of primary panelsand finishing panels which overlap and interlock with one another.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system comprised of molded plastic panelshaving integrally formed heads on the bottom surface for snap-fitmounting of springs to the panels.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system having a minimum number of differentplastic molded pieces.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system having panels with integral ledgesto strengthen the floor joints.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor panel system having springs mounted beneaththe floor panel joints.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor panel system having a plurality of male andfemale connectors for connecting the panels together.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of aspring-biased athletic floor system having a plurality of panels whichare releasably secured together.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of animproved spring-biased athletic floor system which is economical tomanufacture, lightweight, and durable in use.

These and other objectives will become apparent from the followingdescription of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The spring-biased athletic floor system of present invention includes aplurality of interlocked panels with adjacent panels having overlappingedges. The primary panels have an L-shaped ledge extending along twoadjacent sides, while finishing panels have a ledge only along one side.The L-shaped ledges of each primary panel interlock the panel to threeadjacent panels. Adjacent panels have mating beveled surfaces tosimplify and facilitate assembly of the panels. The panels are plastic,so as to be lightweight. A plurality of springs are mounted on headsmolded onto the bottom of the panels, with some springs being locatedbeneath the overlapped edges of the panels. The spring-mount heads havea 360° lip to retain the springs on the head. Male and female couplingswith locking pins interlock the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a spring-biased athletic floor panel systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of four assembled primary panels used in thefloor system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of four assembled primary panels shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the four panel assembly ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the four panel assemblyof FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top plan exploded view of the four panel assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an exploded bottom plan view of the four panel assembly ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the four panel assembly shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of four primary panels withsprings and locking pins.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a primary panel according to thepresent invention, without springs or locking pins.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a finishing panel according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a finishing panel according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a finishing panel according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a finishing panel according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a locking pin used in the spring-biasedathletic floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the locking pin shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the locking pin, taken at 90° fromthe view shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a spring adaptor used in the athleticfloor system of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the spring adaptor shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the spring adaptor shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a section view showing two adjacent panels withoutinterlocking pins, and with one panel loaded so as to compress thesprings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The spring-biased athletic floor system of the present invention isgenerally designated by the reference numeral 10 in the drawings. Thefloor 10 comprises a plurality of rows and columns of panels. FIG. 1shows four rows and four columns of panels for illustration purposes,though it is understood that a typical athletic or gymnastic floor willinclude many rows and columns of panels. For example, a floor 10 usedfor gymnastic competition may be 40′×40′, using 20 rows and 20 columnsof panels wherein the top surface is a 2′×2′ square. A floor 10 used forcheerleading competition may be larger. The exact size and shape of thefloor 10 and individual panels may vary, as needed or desired.

The floor 10 includes a plurality of primary panels 12 and finishingpanels 14. In FIG. 1, the primary panels are labeled as A-I, while thefinishing panels are labeled J-P. The finishing panels 14 extend alongtwo adjacent sides of the floor 10.

The primary panels 12 are best shown in FIGS. 2-11. Each primary panel12 is made of molded plastic so as to be lightweight yet strong. Eachprimary panel 12 includes a main body 16, and an L-shaped ledge 18extending along two adjacent sides. In a preferred embodiment, the body16 of the panel is 24 inches square. Each leg of the ledge 18 has alength of 24 inches, such that the ends of the ledge terminate inwardlyfrom the opposite sides of the body 16, as best seen in FIG. 6. Again,these dimensions are preferred, and may be modified without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the bottom of the primary panels 12 have ahoneycomb grid pattern to provide structural rigidity for the panels.Other patterns may be used to provide strength and rigidity for thepanels.

Each panel 12 also has a plurality of projections extending downwardlyfrom the bottom of the panels. More particularly, a first set of lockingtubes 20A-C extend downwardly from the body 16 adjacent to edgesopposite the ledge 18. Female locking tubes 22A-C extends downwardlyfrom the L-shaped ledge 18. The male locking tubes 20 are adapted to bereceived in the female locking tubes 22 when the primary panels areassembled. For example, the four primary panels 12A, B, D and E shown inFIGS. 4-7, are interconnected as follows: male tube 20A of panel 12B isreceived in the female tube 22C of panel 12A; male tube 20C of panel 12Dis received in the female tube 22A of the panel 12A; male tube 20B ofpanel 12E is received in the female tube 22B of the panel 12A; the maletube 20A of panel 12E is received in the female tube 22C of panel 12D;and the male tube 20C of panel 12D is received in the female tube 22A ofthe panel 12B. Thus, the ledge 18 of the panel 12A is interlocked withthe body 16 of the panels 12B, D and E; and the body 16 of the panel 12Eis interlocked with the ledges 18 of the panels 12A, B and D.

The lower end of each of the male and female tubes 20, 22 are providedwith a keyed slot 24 to receive the lower end of a locking pin 26, bestshown in FIGS. 16-18. The locking pin 26 extends downwardly through themale tube 20 and female tube 22, and with the foot 28 of the pin 26extending through the slots 24 of the tubes 20, 22. The pin 26 is thenturned or rotated approximately 90° such that a shoulder 30 on the foot28 of the pin 26 overlappingly engages the bottom of the female tube 22,thereby locking the overlapped panels together.

The upper end of each pin 26 includes an enlarged diameter head 32 witha recess 34 adapted to receive a tool (not shown), such as an allenwrench or torque bit, for turning the pin 26 between locked and unlockedpositions. An arrow or other indicia 36 is provided on the head 32 toindicate the orientation of the foot 28 relative to the key slot 24.Indicia 38, 39 indicating a locked and unlocked position of the pin 26may also be provided on the body 16 of each panel 12, 14. Thus, the pin26 can be oriented with the arrow 36 aligned with the unlocked indicia38 when inserting or removing the pin 26 from the panel 12. When the pin26 is rotated to a locked position, the arrow 36 will align with the“locked” indicia 39 on the body 16 of the panel 12.

Another set of tubes 40A-D extend downwardly from the bottom of the body16 of each panel 12 for receipt in corresponding holes 42A-D in theledge 18 of the panels 12. Thus, the holes 42A, B of panel 12A receivethe tubes 40C, D, respectively of panel 12D; the holes 42C, D of panel12A receive the tubes 40A, B of panel 12B; the tubes 40A, B of panel 12Eare received in the holes 42C, D of panel 12D; and the tubes 40C, D ofpanel 12E are received in the holes 42A, B of panel 12B.

It is understood that the male tubes 20, 40 may have a friction fit inthe female tubes 22 and holes 42, respectively, for a permanent assemblyof the panels 12, 14. Alternatively, the tubes 20, 40 may have a loosefit within the female tubes 22 and holes 42, respectively, for floors 10that are intended to be disassembled.

Each panel 12 also has a plurality of heads 44 extending downwardlytherefrom and upon which springs 46 are mounted. “Spring” is broadlydefined herein as a device that returns energy. Thus, the springs 46 maybe coil springs, as shown in the drawings, or other devices that providea return of energy, such as leaf springs, air springs, rubber or foam.

More particularly, three heads 44 are provided on each ledge 18, whileanother head 44 is provided on the bottom of the body 16. For theperimeter panels, such as panels 12A, B and D, an adaptor head 48 ismounted on the tubes 40 on the bottom of the body 16 for receivingsprings 46. The spring mount heads 44 and the adaptor heads 48 eachinclude a neck 50, and a large diameter lip or bead 52 preferablyextending 360° around the heads 44 and 48, and a downwardly tapered end54. The springs 46 can thus be slid onto the end 54 of the head 44 andadaptor 48 and snap fit over the lip 52 for retention on the head 44 andadaptor 48. Once mounted, the springs 46 do not need to be removed.Preferably, the adaptor 48 is friction fit on the tubes 40 forpermanently mounting along the perimeter edge of the floor 10.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, edge panels 12B and D and theinterior panels 12E are supported by seven springs, while the cornerpanel 12A is supported by eight springs, as best seen in FIG. 3. In FIG.3, the spring locations have been labeled as 46A-X. Panel 12A issupported by springs 46A, B, E, F, G, J, K and L; panel 12B is supportedby springs 46C, D, G, H, I, M and N; panel 12D is supported by springs46K, O, P, Q, T, U and V; and panel 12E is supported by springs 46L, M,Q, R, S, W, and X. Thus, the corner panel 12A is supported by eightsprings, while the remaining panels 12B, D and E are supported by sevensprings. Springs 46 are spaced approximately one foot apart in thepreferred embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 3. The edges 17 of each panelbody 16 are preferably midway between the spring heads 44 on the ledge18 and the body 16.

The finishing panels 14 have a body 56 and a ledge 58 formed only alongone side of the panel, as seen in FIGS. 11-15. Other than the singleledge 58, the finishing panels 14 are similar to the primary panels 14,and include tubes 20, 22, and 40, holes 42, heads 44, adaptors 48,locking pins 26 and springs 46. The outer edges of the ledges 18 and 58are provided with a beveled surface 60 which matingly engages a beveledsurface 62 on the bottom of the bodies 16 and 56 of the panels 12 and14, respectively. The beveled surfaces 60, 62 facilitate positioning andassembly of the panels 12, 14.

The floor 10 is assembled, in a preferred method, in the order of panelsA-P. In other words, in a preferred method, the floor 10 is assembled inthe following order: row 1, panels A-C; then row 2, panels D-F; then row3, panels G-I; then row 4, panels J-L; and then lastly column 4, panelsM-P. It is noted that finishing panels 14J-P are identical inconstruction, but in assembly, the panels 14M-P are rotated 90° comparedto the panels 14J-L, as seen in FIG. 1. The last finishing panel 14Passembled into the floor 10 will need to have the ledge 58 trimmed orcut therefrom. Alternatively, a final corner panel (not shown) can bemanufactured without any ledge 58, but otherwise having a similarstructure to the finishing panels 14.

Preferably, the locking pins 26 are used for both permanent andtemporary installations of the floor system 10. However, to saveassembly and disassembly time in a temporary installation, the pins 26are not required.

FIG. 22 shows panels 12A and 12B joined together, but without the use oflocking pins 26. The panel 12A is loaded so as to compress the spring46. Since the panels are not locked with pins 26, the load force is nottransmitted to the panel 12B. As seen in this figure, the male tube 20on the panel 12B does not disengage from the female tube 20 on the panel12A, even though the springs 46 on the panel 12A are fully compressed.Thus, even without the locking pins 26, the panels remain joined at theoverlapping edges during use.

Once the floor panels 12, 14 are assembled, the floor 10 is covered withan appropriate padded layer in any convenient manner, prior to use forgymnastic and cheerleading competitions.

The invention has been shown and described above with the preferredembodiments, and it is understood that many modifications,substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intendedspirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seenthat the present invention accomplishes at least all of its statedobjectives.

1. An athletic floor, comprising: a plurality of interlocked panels,with adjacent panels having overlapping edges; a plurality of springsmounted on the bottom of the panels to provide bias for the floor; andsome of the springs being located beneath the overlapped edges.
 2. Theathletic floor of claim 1 wherein each panel is one piece moldedplastic.
 3. The athletic floor of claim 1 further comprising pinsextending downwardly through the overlapped edges to lock adjacentpanels together.
 4. The athletic floor of claim 3 wherein the pins twistlock to secure the panels together.
 5. The athletic floor of claim 1further comprising a plurality of heads on the bottom of the panels formounting the springs.
 6. The athletic floor of claim 1 wherein thepanels include primary panels and finishing panels.
 7. The athleticfloor of claim 6 wherein each primary panel locks to at least threeadjacent panels.
 8. The athletic floor of claim 6 wherein the primarypanels each have an L-shaped ledge extending from two adjacent sides. 9.The athletic floor of claim 8 wherein each L-shaped ledge of eachprimary panel locks to three adjacent panels.
 10. The athletic floor ofclaim 6 wherein each finishing panel includes a ledge extending fromonly one side.
 11. The athletic floor of claim 1 wherein the overlappingedges include male and female connections.
 12. The athletic floor ofclaim 1 wherein the springs snap fit onto the bottom of the panels. 13.The athletic floor of claim 1 wherein the overlapped edges of adjacentpanels have mating beveled surfaces.
 14. A spring-biased floor,comprising: a plurality of primary panels each having L-shaped ledgesextending along two adjacent sides; adjacent panels having overlappingedges; and springs mounted on the bottom of each panel.
 15. Thespring-biased floor of claim 14 further comprising a plurality offinishing panels each having a ledge extending along only one side forconnection to one of the primary panels.
 16. The spring-biased floor ofclaim 14 wherein each primary panel locks to three adjacent panels. 17.The spring-biased floor of claim 14 wherein the overlapping edgesinclude male and female connections.
 18. The spring-biased floor ofclaim 14 wherein the springs press fit onto the bottom of the panels.19. The spring-biased floor of claim 14 further comprising pinsextending downwardly through the overlapped edges to lock adjacentpanels together.
 20. The spring-biased floor of claim 14 wherein eachpanel includes a body having an edge which extends approximately midwaybetween the springs.
 21. The spring-biased floor of claim 14 wherein theoverlapped edges of adjacent panels have mating beveled surfaces.
 22. Aspring-biased floor, comprising: a plurality of interlocked panels; aplurality of heads on the bottom of the panels; and a plurality ofsprings mounted on the heads.
 23. The spring-biased floor of claim 22wherein each of the heads has a lip extending 360° to retain one of thesprings on the head.
 24. The spring-biased floor of claim 22 wherein thesprings are snap fit on the heads.
 25. The spring-biased floor of claim22 wherein the heads are integrally formed on the panels.